ISLAMABAD: The Law Ministry issued a notification for the formal appointment of Qamar Zaman Chaudhry as the new Chairman of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Thursday.

The post for NAB Chairman was lying vacant since May 28 this year when the Supreme Court had termed the appointment of Admiral (retired) Fasih Bukhari as illegal.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, after consultation with Khursheed Shah, Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly, had earlier in October nominated Interior Secretary Qamar Zaman Chaudhry as new NAB chief.

“Yes, notification for the appointment of new NAB Chief [Qamar Zaman] has been issued today (Thursday),” confirmed

Law Secretary Justice (retd) Raza Khan has confirmed issuances of the notification.

President Mamnoon Hussain, on advice of Premier Sharif had signed the summary for the appointment of NAB chairman on Wednesday, before departing for Saudi Arabia.

Under the NAB Ordinance, the Chairman cannot be removed from his office midway since he enjoys a tenure post of four years, from which he cannot be removed except under Article 209 through the Supreme Judicial Council.